Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Txapela on the Zubizuri

The Zubizuri (Basque for "white bridge"), also called the Campo Volantin Bridge or Puente del Campo Volantin, is a tied arch footbridge across the Nervion River in Bilbao, Spain. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, the bridge links the Campo Volantin right bank and Uribitarte left bank of the river.

Opened in 1997, the bridge's unusual design consists of a
curved walkway which is supported by steel suspension cables from an overhead
arch. The structure of the bridge is painted white and the bridge deck consists
of translucent glass bricks. Access ramps and stairways are located on both
banks.

Since its opening, it has been subjected to praise as a
symbol of the new Bilbao and as a draw for tourism. Architectural professor
Alexander Tzonis wrote: "The intelligence, vitality, and originality of
the bridge's curved configuration challenged the ordinariness and slow decline
of the urban setting, bringing a message of hope and an invitation to imagine
better conditions."

However, other professionals have been more equivocal,
bridge engineer Matthew Wells saying:

"Regrettably, the balance of light steel superstructure
on the cantilevered abutment ends is strained, like a sculptural toy, and the
bridge touches the ground uncomfortably."

About Me

Daan Kolthoff is a writer, living between the hills of Wellington, New Zealand and, when not writing, meditating or walking the hills, he is usually researching, reading about or ordering berets from around the world.